Navy halfback ABMT Andrew McKie goes on the attack before firing a pass out wide, while Navy breakaway LSPT Paul Williams (No.7) watches on during the final against Army at North Power Stadium in Gosford. The match was a curtain-raiser to the Australia A v British/Irish Lions. Photo by Bill Cunneen.

Limited preparation against a stubborn Army side prevented the Navy rugby union team from winning a third straight national title, going down 40-14 at North Power Stadium, Gosford on June 19.

The reigning champion from 1999 and 2000 was this time beaten at its own game, with Army having the luxury of a three-week training camp leading up to the national titles.

Navy coach CPO John Campbell said this and the team's one-day break between matches were telling factors in the end result.

"Our preparation saw most of the team coming straight off deployment. We arrived home on the Friday, had Saturday with loved ones and then joined the camp on Sunday," said John.

"We only had a three day training camp to prepare for the game against RAAF, then a day's break and we had to play Army.

"We had the extended training camp in 1999 and 2000 and ended up winning the title both times," he added.

Navy's opening encounter against RAAF resulted in a 28-14 victory, setting up the final all had hoped for against Army, who had earlier defeated RAAF 46-0.

The traditional 'softening up' period early on saw Navy off to a good start with a couple of penalties that resulted in a converted try to No.8, PO John East.

However, Army, with a bigger forward pack, held its own and went in at half-time leading 10-7.

Somewhat of a turning point saw Navy five-eighth, LS Paul Carter, knocked unconscious midway through the first half, with the team also losing continuity as a result.

The first 10-15 minutes of the second half then decided the outcome, with Army's forwards and weight of possession allowing the inside backs into play, who swung the ball wide for two tries that broke Navy's resolve.

Navy second-rower LEUT Scott Bretherton scored a well deserved consolation try, but the Army horse had already bolted, with Navy reduced to playing catch-up rugby.

"The set-phase pieces such as scrums and lineouts saw Navy hold its own and in some cases dominated Army in these areas, but poor field position all the second half saw Army camped in Navy's quarter for most of the game.

"The two games within 48 hours and Army having basically a four-day rest before playing Navy also made a big difference," said John.

LEUT Scott Bretherton received the Sooty Hanson Trophy for most outstanding Navy player of carnival, presented by Sooty's parents as a memorial of their son (a prominent Navy rugby player) who died in a motorbike accident in 1986.

Meanwhile, the women's tournament only saw a final between Navy and Army, as RAAF was unable to field a side.

The Navy women led for the majority of this match, but with a minute to go, Army scored a converted try to level the score at 7-all.

Despite this, the players were justifiably proud as this was the best result achieved by a Navy women's side since the inception of women's rugby into the ADF.

Services rugby continues to take centre stage, with the Australian Services Rugby Union (ASRU) side playing matches against Newcastle, Australian Universities and a visiting Scottish side.

The next commitment for RAN Rugby Union players is the tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong in October and November.

By Michael Weaver